WTN: Kiwi and California Sauvignon Blanc wines

2007 Nobilo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
$10.99 at the grocery store
12.5% alcohol
Lemon and melon on the palate. The label suggests passionfruit also. Attractive, refreshing, crisp. Nice acid/fruit balance. A reasonable alternative to the Kim Crawford which cost $6.00 more at the same store. Paired nicely with baked chicken and asparagus in chicken broth/sherry sauce one night and another night with lemon chicken scallopini breaded with crushed low-fat potato chips.

2007 Robert Biale Vineyards Pollo Bianco, Yountville, Napa Valley, CA
"White Chicken" is the Sauvignon Blanc from this vintner.
Without oak. Screwcap. 13.5% alcohol
Pale straw color with transparency. Rounded lemon custard note. Clean, fresh and polished. Nice juice.

2007 Nobilo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ... The label suggests passionfruit also.

I usually find the flavours you perceive often depend on the temperature the wine is served. Chilling tends to accent the acidity. I'd say this would be without oak too.
Cheers,
Sue

Yes, Sue, I'm sure it was unoaked. I mentioned without oak on the California wine because some producers go for a fume' blanc type or imitation Chardonnay with oak treatment (not my preference for Sauvignon Blanc.) I think New Zealand and Loire producers are less likely to use oak.